De facto relationship

We consider that you're in a de facto relationship when you and your partner:

• are aged 16 or older
• have a relationship in the nature of marriage, eg you:
  • live together
  • are emotionally committed to each other
  • share your living costs (eg rent, food, power, etc).

If you or your partner are 16 or 17

If either you or your partner are 16 or 17, a Family Court Judge must consent to your relationship. You’ll need to show us the court order from the Family Court Judge.

Before 14 August 2018, we accepted written consent from the parents of the 16-17 year old. If you’ve already given the parents' consent to us before then, we can still use it. You don’t need to get consent from a Family Court Judge.